Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a brand new one, you should research as much as possible about your specific style before starting your project.
Perhaps you are not sure what style you want to choose and just want to browse some ideas. That’s okay too! The more you research and get inspired by examples, the better you will be able to find the right look.
Kitchen styles can vary greatly depending on current trends, geography, or personal taste. Below is a list of some of the different kitchen styles available today, many of which have a long history and tradition.
While kitchens can be an expression of individual tastes, there are certain commonalities that define certain eras or design styles. Let’s take a closer look at these features and styles now.
Contents
Modern
Modern kitchens are characterized by clean geometric shapes, consciously lacking embellishments. Surfaces are smooth, clear, and linear. Layouts tend to be more open and prioritize form and function.
Modern color schemes tend to use bright, neutral colors, although accent colors are often used to add some pop. White marble or light shades of granite or quartz are common in modern kitchens.
Cabinets tend to be more open, and shelves are often used instead of standard cabinets. Hardware is usually simple with sharp edges, and sometimes no hardware at all is used to achieve a sleeker, more minimalist look.
Due to the clean lines and lack of embellishments, modern design can appear to lack warmth. Sometimes wood is used in combination with modern materials to soften the feel and add some warmth.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchen design is often used synonymously with modern. While the two have many similarities in terms of a clean, minimalist aesthetic, there are some differences that set them apart.
Contemporary design is constantly evolving. It represents current trends in design based on the concept of modernism. Modern design, on the other hand, is specific to a particular period between the early and mid-20th century. It never changes.
Metallic accents are used in combination with light neutral colors, wood, synthetic resin plastics, and recycled materials mixed in Portland cement. Stainless steel is the metal of choice in contemporary design, but brass is also becoming increasingly popular.
Similar to modern kitchens, contemporary kitchen layouts tend to be more open and prioritize functionality. Cabinets are sometimes open, and shelves are often used in combination with cabinet units.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens offer a more formal and classic look reminiscent of American and European homes from the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. This kitchen style is typically very elegant and artful with a more formal layout.
Cabinets are typically made of fine wood materials such as mahogany, cherry, and walnut. They are also more likely to be coated with glazes or antique finishes rather than a natural finish. Molding and ornamentation are usually highly embellished.
Appliances and fixtures are largely antique in style and feature distinctive surfaces. Hardware can often be made of sturdy metals like copper and brass, although stainless steel can also be used if the details are traditional.
Traditional kitchens tend to have a neutral color palette with warm beige and deep cherry dominating the space. Countertops are typically made of luxurious materials such as marble, quartz, and granite.
Craftsman
The Craftsman style originated in the early 20th century as a response to the highly decorative and ornate furniture of the time. The style eschews embellishments and instead favors high-quality craftsmanship.
In kitchens, the craftsman style translates into furniture with simple, straight lines and minimal ornamentation. Emphasis is placed on high-quality craftsmanship in cabinetry as well as functionality.
Craftsman kitchens create a warm atmosphere. Simplicity and comfort are also central to the design philosophy. Wood is the most commonly used material in craftsman kitchens, including countertop applications.
Wood elements are never painted. Natural or stained woods are usually used. Oak, maple, or pine are the most commonly used woods in craftsman-style furniture. Hickory kitchen cabinets are also used.
The wood tones are usually complemented by surrounding materials in earth tones such as wood brown, green, and rusty orange. Handmade tiles and hardware are also typical of craftsman kitchens.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean kitchens capture the warm, sunny, and carefree nature of the European Mediterranean region. By incorporating warm earth tones, Mediterranean kitchens aim to capture the essence of the region.
Natural, untreated dark wood and handmade, hand-painted mosaic tiles are commonly used to create visual interest. Unlike other styles that involve more linear shapes, Mediterranean kitchens use abundant curvilinear forms and intricate patterns.
Wrought iron is the metal of choice in Mediterranean kitchens. Wrought iron is often used for cabinet doors or chandeliers and has become synonymous with Mediterranean kitchen style.
In terms of wall surfaces, exposed brick and stucco are commonly used alongside dark stained woods. Exposed wooden beams on the ceiling are also a symbol of Mediterranean kitchens.
Farmhouse
Country kitchens combine centuries-old style with elegant rustic details. Both practical and humble, farmhouse kitchens tend to provide a stylistic charm with an emphasis on functionality.
Open shelves are commonly used in farmhouse kitchens to give them a more open feel and make them more spacious and accessible. Glass door cabinets can have a similar effect.
Exposed kitchen utensils, including pots, pans, and other cooking utensils, are often displayed outdoors, not only for easy access but also as part of the kitchen decor.
Another prominent feature of farmhouse kitchen style is the use of beadboard on walls and other kitchen surfaces. Beadboard is relatively inexpensive and can have a significant impact on creating a farmhouse look.
Farmhouse sinks, as the name suggests, are a central feature of farmhouse kitchens. They are deep sinks generously proportioned with an apron that extends beyond the countertop. Rustic-style fixtures are often used in conjunction to enhance the effect.
Freestanding cabinets are also associated with farmhouse kitchens. They can enhance functionality while also helping to achieve the desired look for the kitchen. Hardwood floors, often aged wood, can also contribute to the vintage style.
Lighting fixtures can be either hung from the ceiling or flush-mounted and are typically made of metallic materials such as copper or wrought iron and sometimes galvanized metal for a more weathered look.
Farmhouse color schemes are typically soft and muted. White is often used for cabinets and walls, but light gray, powdery and grayish blues, or even lighter yellow and cream colors can also work.
Cottage
Cottage kitchens share many common design features with farmhouse style. They tend to be colorful with vintage-inspired features. Wicker furniture and accessories with patterned fabrics are often used in cottage kitchens, a hallmark of the style.
Cottage kitchens offer a relaxed and unpretentious feel compared to more formal styles. They evoke simpler times and carefree living, where the kitchen was the heart of the home.
Cottage kitchens are typically also more practical and functional in nature. Open shelves are common for this reason, as they allow cooks quick access to dishes, cooking utensils, and other accessories.
Beadboards are a synonym for farmhouse style. The grooved style of paneling adds instant architectural interest. The color palettes are bright and airy and include white, soft yellow, light blue, or light beige tones.
Another characteristic of cottage kitchens is the cabinet details in furniture style. Freestanding cabinets were used before built-in cabinets, and modern cottage kitchens often incorporate bun feet and consoles under cabinets to evoke this feeling.
Countertops are typically made of natural wood, and hardwood floors are also common. Farmhouse-style sinks are used in cottage kitchens. Featuring extra-deep bowls for large pots and stacks of dishes.
Coastal
Coastal kitchens capture the cool beach atmosphere of coastal regions. Bright colors and ample lighting, along with an open, airy kitchen design, create a tranquil coastal feel. Neutral colors are often used in combination with blues to achieve a cool and calming effect.
Typically, cabinets are painted in a light, neutral color, especially white, and blue tones are used as accents on backsplashes, countertops, smaller pieces of furniture, accessories, ceilings, and floor tiles to create the illusion of seawater.
Tiles with waves or shells can help create the distinctive beach feel common in coastal kitchens. Likewise, accessories and decorations with sand, seashells, or starfish can enhance the look.
Wood elements, including driftwood and ship decks, can be used in combination with other beach motifs to recreate the character of the coast. Movable furniture pieces like bar stools are often made of wood.
Rustic
Rustic kitchens are characterized by the distressed, worn look of cabinets, floors, furniture, and accessories. These are purposeful design features meant to lend authenticity to the rustic design motif.
Rustic kitchens typically incorporate reclaimed wood, antique metals, wrought iron, and vintage glass. Rustic kitchens can often resemble mountain lodges or log cabins. Ceilings and floors are typically made of weathered wood.
Earth tones and neutral color combinations with very little contrast are typical of rustic kitchens. Brown, rusty orange, deep reds, forest green, dark yellows, and broken whites or light browns are commonly used colors.
Wood species used in rustic kitchens are pine, hickory, or alder. Sometimes stains are used to add warmth to cabinets or furniture, although a more natural look can be achieved with a clear coat to protect the wood.
The rustic theme can vary depending on the region. Often, designs incorporate local features, history, and geography, creating a greater sense of authenticity. Southwestern, Central Plains, Mountain West, Appalachian are among the more common regional styles in the United States.
Country
While country kitchens can also be rustic, they tend to include a greater variety of design elements. In fact, modern features often find their way into country kitchens, as do more traditional design elements.
Often, you will see a mix of both, combined with materials and decorative elements that relate to the countryside. Color combinations in country kitchens also tend to vary greatly, using consistently vibrant colors and warm neutrals.
Woodwork and wooden furniture are common in country kitchens. Oak is the most commonly used wood species. It is often stained in a variety of colors, from cherry for a more formal look to white for a more casual, simpler feel.
Weathered wood can work well, as can antique icons that help enhance the look. Handmade furniture and accessories also contribute to keeping the look authentic. Open shelves are common to display antique bowls and dishes.
Beadboard is as common as wood cabinets with aged brass. Exposed copper pots hanging on a wrought iron rack, along with antique cooking utensils on the wall, can help complete the look.
Final Thoughts
While having a cohesive look that closely adheres to a specific style can lead to great design, there is no reason why you can’t be creative and experiment a bit with ideas and materials as long as they complement each other well.
Part of the fun of designing a kitchen is experimenting. If you opt for the rural look, salvaged antiques you find on trips or at flea markets can become focal points in the room.
You don’t necessarily have to stick to a specific style, era, or color. As long as you connect various items and styles through a single thread, you can make it work. Sometimes, you can connect different styles through color.
Choose your pieces and materials strategically to accentuate the space but not overwhelm it. Avoid clutter, as in any other room. And most importantly, have fun personalizing your kitchen to your individual style.
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